Rock Island-Milan School District #41 proudly announces its second annual Employee of the Year cohort, recognizing outstanding individuals whose dedication and impact make a difference across the district each day.
This year, we are also proud to introduce a new category: Community Partner, recognizing those who go above and beyond to support our schools and scholars.
Employee of the Year honorees:
Teachers:
Denkmann - Jennifer Knuth
Earl Hanson - Dorisa Ramos-Podoba
Edison Junior High - Christopher Versluis
Eugene Field - Angela Brownson
Frances Willard - Sarah Stockwell
Horace Mann Early Learning Center - Jeanne Mueller
Longfellow Liberal Arts - Elizabeth Kantner
Ridgewood - Alexis DeWilde
Rock Island Academy - Sydney Erichsen
Rock Island Center for Math & Science - Sarah Andrus
Rock Island High School - Michael Mertel
Thomas Jefferson - Kimberly Leyendecker
Thurgood Marshall Learning Center - Amanda Crecelius
Washington Junior High - Christopher Allison
Student Service Personnel:
Administration Center - Chris Beierlein
Denkmann - Susanne Zimanek
Earl Hanson - Maria Frere
Edison Junior High - Melanie Martinez
Eugene Field - Michelle Schneckloth
Frances Willard - No Nomination
Horace Mann Early Learning Center - Alyssa Leone
Longfellow Liberal Arts - Emily DeJohn
Ridgewood - No Nomination
Rock Island Academy - Heather McCarty
Rock Island Center for Math & Science - Angela Lynch
Rock Island High School - Dail Rice
Thomas Jefferson - April Bowlyou
Thurgood Marshall Learning Center - Brittany Coopman
Washington Junior High - Karen Long
Educational Service Personnel
Administration Center - Noelle Jones
Denkmann - Lindsay Russell
Earl Hanson - Ku Ku Dah
Edison Junior High - Aaron Buggs
Eugene Field - Mayra Zetina
Frances Willard - Madelyn Jackson
Horace Mann Early Learning Center - Mackenzie Moon
Longfellow Liberal Arts - Sarah Chavez
Ridgewood - Teresa Mueck
Rock Island Academy - Vickie Duling
Rock Island Center for Math & Science - Nancy Wright
Rock Island High School - Sonji Schmidt
Thomas Jefferson - Brooke Bennett
Thurgood Marshall Learning Center - Ledona Strong
Washington Junior High - Barlow McGhee
Administrators
Elementary - Patrick Versluis
Secondary - Reshanda Johnson
Administration Center - Dr. Lashanta Williams
Community Partner
Trina Gendron - McDonald's Corporation, Rock Island
Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients! Their commitment to excellence, service, and scholar success continues to strengthen the entire RIMSD #41 community.
These honorees will be celebrated at the Employee of the Year Gala on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 5 pm, at The Stern Center. Community members are invited to attend! You can learn more about the event and purchase tickets to support our wonderful recipients here.